The ASSE Professional Qualifications (PQ) Department has been very busy this year updating procedures, forms, and documents, and training new staff. As I write this, ASSE staff are on their way to the UA Instructor Training Program meeting in Ann Arbor, Michigan. This annual event brings together people looking at the future of plumbing to take courses, participate in the apprentice competition and meet up with old friends to see how they have been this past year.
ASSE International has been spending time looking at its program and has made enhancements that will make the backflow training programs stronger and bring ASSE into compliance with ANAB/ISO 17024 requirements. We recently sent information to all of our schools and proctors about a required proctor calibration program. The program is conducted online, and people generally complete it in less than 30 minutes. This is a requirement that we cannot overlook for our proctoring program. If you do not complete it, you will no longer be able to proctor for your school. If you have any questions, please email assecertifications@asse-plumbing.org.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF ASSE-APPROVED SCHOOLS
As part of our quality assurance framework, ASSE-approved schools play a vital role in upholding the integrity of the certification process.
Here are some reminders of what is required:
- Review and confirm the qualifications of all students before allowing them to enroll in your certification programs. This includes verifying prerequisites such as prior training, work experience, or licensure, where applicable.
- Maintain a secure and organized filing system that documents student eligibility, training records, and exam outcomes. These records must be readily accessible in the event of an ASSE audit.
- Ensure all instructional staff are appropriately credentialed and that course delivery aligns with ASSE standards.
These responsibilities are not merely administrative; they are foundational to the credibility of the certification process. Schools must be prepared to demonstrate compliance with ASSE standards at any time; failure to do so may result in the loss of approval status. By maintaining thorough documentation and vetting student qualifications, approved schools help ensure that only qualified individuals enter the certification pipeline.
LOOKING AHEAD
Schools will soon receive information about new forms that ASSE will require them to use. If ASSE receives an outdated form, staff will contact the school to ensure it uses the most up-to-date version. As we continue to refine and expand our certification programs, our focus remains on maintaining the integrity of the ASSE 5110 credential, supporting certified professionals, and collaborating with ASSE-approved schools and regulatory bodies.
Whether you’re a tester seeking recertification, an ASSE school preparing for an audit, or a professional interested in becoming an instructor or proctor, we encourage you to engage with our team and resources. For more information, please visit asse-plumbing.org.
Together, we can ensure that backflow prevention remains a trusted and effective safeguard for public health.
ADDITIONAL ASSE PQ DEPARTMENT UPDATES
A new staff member, Miriam Gorecki, has joined the PQ Department. She will be attending the annual meeting, so please be sure to introduce yourself to her and say hello to the rest of the PQ team. The annual meeting is right around the corner, so be on the lookout for information and book your hotel early if you would like to stay at the main hotel.
